Company Name Change

A company’s name, which is typically included as the first clause in the Memorandum of Association (MOA), serves as its unique identifier and outlines its objectives and regulations. There may be instances when a company’s management decides to change the company’s name for reasons such as rebranding, expanding into new markets, or reflecting a change in focus. To obtain approval for the name change, the company must follow a specific process.

The first step is to obtain consent from the company’s shareholders, which involves calling for a meeting and passing a special resolution with at least three-fourths majority of the shareholders present and entitled to vote. Once the shareholders’ consent is obtained, the company must then seek approval from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) by submitting an application for the name change, along with the required documents and fees. The ROC will examine the application and issue a certificate of approval if it complies with the relevant laws and regulations.

It’s important to note that the process of changing a company’s name involves four stages of approval. The first stage is obtaining shareholders’ consent, the second is obtaining approval from the ROC, and the third stage involves updating the company’s name in various official documents. The fourth and final stage is updating the company’s name on its website and other public-facing materials. Adhering to the proper procedure ensures that the name change is legally valid and recognized by all stakeholders.